PLDC - Dubai, Spain national team and Real Madrid legend, Michel Salgado, stopped by the Romario Sports headquarters in Dubai and did an interview. He also commented on Amirhossein Hajizadeh, who is a 9-year-old Iranian football phenomenon.

Hello Mr. Salgado. Thank you very much for coming to the headquarters of Romario Sports; the official and exclusive distributor of Uhlsport in the Middle East.

Are you familiar with Uhlsport?

Yes. I have known about Uhlsport for a long time. This brand entered our city in 1993, but back then it was a brand exclusively dedicated to goalkeeping equipment, and I hadn't used its equipment as a player. However, it was a very popular goalkeeper brand back then.

Since when have you been living in the United Arab Emirates?

I have been living here for about a year and two months. But I first visited Dubai in 2003, and have been regularly visiting ever since.

Are you satisfied with your life in this country?

Of course. I live in Dubai with my family and I am very familiar with this city. The most interesting thing about this city is that there is always something new. I started visiting Dubai 10 years ago, and every time I came here, I saw something new.

What has attracted you to the Emirates?

This country (UAE) is marvelous. It's not easy for a nation to advance and change so fast and become world renowned. This country is one of the best in the world.

Are you familiar with Iranian football?

Yes. I am somewhat familiar with Iranian football and I know the head coach of Team Melli (Carlos Queiroz); he was once my coach. He is a very good person and has taken Iran to the World Cup. I know that Iranian teams are very capable, and some of their matches attract 100,000 spectators.

Do you know any Iranian coaches or players?

Like I said, I know the head coach of Team Melli, and I am familiar with Javad Nekounam who used to play for a popular club in Spain, and now he plays for a big club in Iran. Some Iranian footballers are capable of playing in Europe's biggest leagues, and this requires lots of confidence.

Did you know that the Tehran Derby once attracted 120,000 spectators?

Indeed. I have heard that there is a derby in Iran between two popular clubs, called Persepolis and Esteghlal, if I'm not mistaken. I know that it must be a crazy atmosphere, and that the whole country shuts down during the match because everyone is exited to watch, just like the World Cup.

Would you be interested in watching a derby in Azadi Stadium?

Yes, for sure. I would love to see this derby up close and experience the excitement of the fans and feel the energy of the atmosphere live.

What are you plans for the future? Will you pursue a coaching career or do you want to open a business?

It is very difficult to say goodbye to football. I learned how to play football when I was five, but football is not the only thing that I know. But you could say that it is what I do best. I am interested in becoming a coach. Why not? I am currently the Director of Football at Dubai Sports City Football Academy. This academy has many experienced coaches, and at first we had 60 students, but now we have 600. Everything is going well and our students are advancing.

Here is a video of Amirhossein Hajizadeh. He is a 9-year-old Iranian football phenomenon who is very skilled for his age. He is currently on contract with Persepolis. What do you think?

He is still very young. When he is 12-year-old, I will personally get him into Real Madrid's youth academy, because having such a talented young player is great for the club.

Thank you for your time Mr. Salgado, and thanks for visiting Romario Sports' headquarters in Dubai. I hope that you are successful in everything that you do.

Interview conducted in Romario Sports headquarters in Dubai
Translated and edited by: Arman Tamjidi